Reality-TV star goes on trial for suspected drunken driving

by
The Oregonian

Tuesday January 08, 2008, 12:52 PM

BRENT WOJAHN/The OregonianMatt Roloff arrives at the Washington County courthouse this morning for his trial on drunken driving charges

HILLSBORO - When reality-TV star Matt Roloff was arrested last summer for drunken driving on a rural Washington County road, he was belligerent, uncooperative and failed a field sobriety test, the prosecution said Tuesday at the start of his trial.

Private defense attorney Robert Thuemmel, however, said Roloff, whose family is portrayed in the TLC series "Little People, Big World," was not drunk and reacted the only way he knew how to a deputy who wouldn't listen to him.

"He is a man whose entire life has brought him to a place where, to stand up for himself, has taught him to be a little bit more assertive, more combative," Thuemmel said of his 4-foot client during opening arguments. "He speaks out more for himself than some."

Because of Roloff's celebrity, the case is being covered by every local TV news station and area newspapers, as well as Court TV.

"It wouldn't be shocking if everybody in Washington County has heard about his show," Circuit Judge Donald R. Letourneau noted to 20 prospective jurors. "But does anybody feel they cannot be fair in this case because they like his show or not like his show?"

No one answered they couldn't.

Roloff, 46, is charged with one count of misdemeanor driving under the influence of intoxicants. He was arrested shortly after midnight June 20 on Northwest Helvetia Road, not far from the 34-acre family farm that millions of cable viewers tune in to see every week.

"I can't wait to give a breath sample so I can publicly humiliate you," Roloff told Deputy Allen Pastori on the ride to the Washington County Jail, according to Tuesday's testimony.

However, once there, Roloff refused to let Pastori administer the Breathalyzer. Thuemmel said it was because Roloff didn't trust the deputy.

Because Roloff refused a breath test, Washington County Deputy District Attorney Kevin Kelley must use the observations of two sheriff's deputies to try to convince the six-man jury that the TV celebrity's physical and mental capabilities were impaired to a noticeable degree.

Pastori testified he saw a white van make a wide turn leaving the Rock Creek Cafe & Pub and drive over the double yellow lines and fog lines several times in the next couple miles.

When Roloff got out of the van, Pastori said he smelled a "moderate odor of alcohol" and saw that his eyes were glassy and watery. The deputy said Roloff displayed six of six indications of impairment.

Roloff admitted having one beer, but Thuemmel said he was having problems driving because he wasn't used to the height of the pedal extensions in his wife's van.

I like Matt. Here in Florida when we get our DL's we sign that we agree to take a breathalizer test when asked or we loose our DLs. He should have asked for a blood test. I wish him the best of luck but if he was drunk he should have to pay the price like everyone else.
Shari